Guinea: At least three killed during protests in Conakry /update 9

Event

Authorities confirmed on Tuesday, February 20, that a police officer was killed during violent protests in Conakry the previous day. The officer died after being hit in the head with rocks in the Bomboly (Ratoma area) area of the capital on Monday, February 19. At least three people have been killed in the current post-election crisis; two protesters died during clashes with riot police on February 12. Additional demonstrations are likely in the coming days and further violence cannot be ruled out.

Context

Thousands of people took to the streets in Conakry on February 19 demanding the release of all the results from the recently held local elections. Demonstrators blocked traffic and clashed with police, significantly disrupting businesses and schools. The Syndicat Libre des Enseignants et Chercheurs de Guinée (SLECG) education union is also currently holding an indefinite strike.

Local elections took place nationwide on February 4, the first to be held since 2005. On February 19, the electoral commission released almost all of the election results; however, some constituencies - including Ratoma, one of the largest districts in Conakry - are still waiting for their results. According to media reports, the presidential party has dominated the election in most areas.

Political violence was reported before, during, and after the elections. Opposition members claim that massive electoral fraud was carried out by the ruling party during the vote

Advice

Individuals in Guinea, particularly in Conakry, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations and protests due to the risk of violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.